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Install Linux Mint 11 (Katya) inside Windows 7 like an application - a very simple install & uninstall

Last reviewed: November 2011

Running Linux Mint from the Live CD is really only useful for getting the feel and appearance of Mint. Installing Linux Mint on its own partition can be difficult for some inexperienced users. However, there's another option that's great for trying out Mint.

You can install Mint inside Windows just like any Windows application. This method is suitable if you just want to use Mint for a trial period. It's very user-friendly and is non-invasive. It leaves Windows in control and is very easily removed. This is suitable even for inexperienced computer users and especially for those with little or no knowledge of Linux or partitions.

This Windows Installer option is available only from the smaller CD version (no codecs). It's not on the larger DVD version.

Experienced users who want a long-term dual-boot of Linux Mint and Windows 7, should go to the page at:
http://thpc.info/dual/win7/dualboot_win7+mint11_grub_mbr_on_win7.html

How to Install Linux Mint 11 inside Windows 7

Download Linux Mint 11 (the 620 or 634 MB file for CD will have a .ISO file extension).
(the Windows Installer is only available in the smaller CD NO Codecs version).
Create the Linux Mint Live disk (right-click the downloaded .ISO file & select Burn disc image)
With Windows 7 running, insert the Mint Live disk.
If aotuplay runs, select Run wubi.exe
If the CD/DVD does not autorun, open it in Windows Explorer and double-click the wubi.exe file.
Click Yes in User Account Control if it appears.
In Linux Mint Menu, select Install inside Windows.
In Linux Mint Installer,
- make selections that suit yourself - remember your password!
  - about 18 GB in Installation size: is good for an extensive test
- Click the Install button when ready.
- Remove the CD when requested, select Reboot now, click Finish, and boot to Linux Mint.
Linux Mint will now be installed and configured.

Select either Windows 7 (the default) or Linux Mint from the Windows boot menu during the next reboot.
Finished!

Uninstalling Linux Mint in this situation

Backup any required data you have in Linux Mint to a R/W CD/DVD or USB device.
Go to Control Panel >Uninstall a program.
Double-click Linux Mint and click Uninstall.

That's it!

Older Computers with low maximum Screen Resolution

Linux Mint 11 itself runs fine at 1024x768 screen resolution. However initialization during bootup may require a higher resolution (1280 x 1024) and users with old computer systems may initially be presented with a blank screen. Just let it continue for about a minute and then the screen will appear.

Please remember that you alone are responsible for the consequences of changes you make to your computer hardware or software.